परी-रुख़

Meaning

Fairy-faced; an exquisitely beautiful and delicate beloved.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Urdu verse, 'pari-rukh' describes a beloved possessing an otherworldly, fairy-like countenance marked by delicacy and grace. In this couplet, it refers to the transcendent beloved who, upon falling in love, becomes exceptionally fragile and ethereal. The poet highlights how this delicate beauty seems to gain brilliance even as its color visibly fades.

Etymology

Persian (پری / parī 'fairy' + رخ / rukh 'face, cheek')

Usage

A staple Persianate epithet in the ghazal tradition used to evoke supernatural beauty, fragility, and unattainable elegance in the beloved.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words